EP0430821A1 - Plastic ski boot - Google Patents

Abstract

A plastic ski boot comprises a shell part (1) intended to receive an inner boot (bootee) in which the skier's foot is fitted and which comprises a sole (4) and a heel (3); an articulated collar (6, 40, 42) intended to enclose the bottom part of the leg; means (8, 9) for clamping the collar on the leg; a rigid reinforcing clamp part (20), in the shape of a gutter, comprising two sides (21) joined by a U-shaped connecting portion (22), arranged on each lateral face of the collar on both sides of the longitudinal axis (L-L') of the clamp part (20) and articulated at their end; and a U-shaped rigid small arch (10) whose connecting portion (12) matches the rear of the heel (3) and of which the free end of the branches (11) is articulated (14) on the shell part (1). In the locked position, the longitudinal axis (L-L') of the rigid reinforcing clamp part (20) is oriented in a general direction which is substantially parallel to that of the tibia and the lower ends (25) of its two lateral sides (21) are articulated (23) on the U-shaped rigid small arch (10). <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a new type of plastic ski boot.

As is known, a plastic ski boot essentially comprises:
- a shell intended to receive a liner in which a skier's foot is inserted, and which comprises a sole;
- means for holding the foot in the shell, in particular at the level of the forefoot, the instep and / or the heel;
- a collar articulated on the shell, intended to enclose the bottom of the leg; in a first embodiment, this collar has an unclosed tubular shape (shoe with traditional entry with flap); in an advantageous embodiment, the collar is made in two parts called "cuffs" (shoe with rear entry);
- Clamping means of the collar on the leg, such as hooks, racks, loops, knurls or the like.

The problem in ski boots is to transfer all the lateral movements and movements from the leg to the ski to generate good grips or recovery of edges. In current footwear, this problem is imperfectly resolved as a result in particular of deformations resulting from the greater or lesser rigidity of the materials used.

In document FR-A-2 063 622, it has been suggested to reinforce the collar with a U-shaped bar, the articulated wings of which are embedded in the upper and the connection part of which is embedded in the sole. This solution, which ensures good vertical rigidity, does not however regulate that of transverse deformations, the branches of the U being able to easily move apart.

In document FR-A-2 024 307, it has been suggested to reinforce a leather shoe by means of an external rigid system comprising an oscillating link in the sole and at least one arm which goes up along the leg to grip it the bottom. This unsightly and bulky system, more reminiscent of a prosthesis, does not allow sufficient rear locking to ensure proper handling of the skis.

In document FR-A-2 330 345 of the Applicant, it has been suggested to associate with the collar a rigid U-shaped frame, in particular of steel, known since under the name of "technical arc", the horizontal base of which crosses the sole at the heel and the branches of which are located on either side and near the longitudinal median plane of the shoe to rest firmly on the rear thereof, the end of said branches being fixed in the vicinity from the top of the back of the collar. Although successfully used, this solution has the disadvantage of a positioning defect which does not avoid rotation-twisting of the collar when guiding the ski.

In document EP-A-0 255 680, a system for closing ski boots with a rear opening has been proposed, by securing the front cuff and the rear cuff by means of a rigid U-shaped stirrup, disposed in the general front-rear direction of the shoe and which rests respectively on the top of the rear cuff at the bottom of the calf and at the front on the bottom of the front cuff above the malleoli. This solution is satisfactory for stiffening the two cuffs (front and rear) of the collar, but does not cooperate directly with the shell on which the cuffs are articulated. This results in a loss in the precision of transfers of movements and movements, in particular lateral, of the leg relative to the ski.

The invention overcomes these drawbacks. It relates to a plastic ski boot in which a good transfer of movements, in particular lateral movements, and of movements of the leg towards the ski is ensured, and more specifically a boot in which the disadvantages associated with deformations resulting from the most are avoided. or less rigidity of the materials used.

This plastic ski boot, of the type comprising:
. a shell intended to receive a liner in which is inserted a foot of the skier and which comprises a sole and a heel;
. means for holding the foot in the shell;
. an articulated collar, intended to enclose the bottom of the leg;
. means for tightening the collar on the leg;
. a rigid reinforcement jumper in the form of a gutter comprising two edges connected by a U-shaped connecting portion, arranged on each lateral face of the collar on either side of the longitudinal axis of the jumper and articulated at their end;
. a rigid U-shaped arch, the connection portion of which follows the rear of the heel, and the free end of the branches of which is articulated on the shell;
is characterized :
- in that, in the locked position of use, the longitudinal axis of the rider is oriented in a general direction substantially parallel to that of the tibia;
- And in that the lower ends of the two lateral edges of the rider are articulated on the rigid arch (10).

In other words, the invention consists in using a rigid U-shaped jumper and gutter which ensures good stiffening of the collar, in the two planes: longitudinal and lateral, as well as in the resulting planes, therefore a good multidirectional stiffening, and to articulate this jumper on the rigid arch.

Advantageously, in practice:
- In the position of use, the U-shaped connection portion of the two lateral edges of the rider follows part of the lower leg while resting on the bottom of the calf;
- the collar (in one or two parts) is also articulated on the rigid arch and the articulation axes of the collar and the articulation axes of the free ends of the vertical lateral edges of the rigid rider on this rigid arch are distinct or confused ;
- The hinge pins of the collar and the rider on the arch are combined and are arranged at the malleoli in the position of use;
- The U-shaped gutter connection portion has provisional locking means with the top of the back of the collar or the rear cuff;
- The edges of the rider are telescopic to be adjusted in height, which facilitates both the tilting action and positioning of the connection portion on the bottom of the calf, depending on the morphology of the skier;
- The internal face of the connection portion of the rigid rider has a support member at the bottom of the back of the calf, adjustable in position, both in inclination and in advance;
- the characteristic rigid articulated gutter-shaped jumper is perforated;
- the characteristic rigid articulated rider is a single piece of molded plastic material which includes:
. two lateral edges oriented, in the locked position, in a general direction substantially parallel to that of the tibia, but disposed at the rear thereof;
. a first connection portion from the top of the lateral edges which forms a first portion of U-shaped reinforcement gutter, disposed at the bottom of the calf;
. a second connection portion, also in the form of a gutter and a U, arranged halfway up the edges and at the level of the back of the calcaneus;
. an inclined end portion articulated on the rigid arch on the same axis as the rear cuff, at the malleoli.

• La figure 1 montre un premier exemple de réalisation de l'invention adapté à une chaussure de ski tradition­nelle à ouverture avant.
• La figure 2 montre l'invention dans une chaussure de ski à ouverture arrière (manchette avant et manchette arrière).
• La figure 3 montre le détail d'un système de ver­rouillage du cavalier caractéristique sur la manchette arrière.
• La figure 4 est une vue perspective simplifiée d'un cavalier caractéristique de l'invention.
• La figure 5 est une représentation en perspective sommaire d'une forme d'exécution préférée du cavalier rigide de l'invention.

The manner in which the invention can be implemented and the advantages which ensue therefrom will emerge more clearly from the following exemplary embodiments in support of the attached figures.

• Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention adapted to a traditional ski boot with front opening.
• Figure 2 shows the invention in a ski boot with rear opening (front cuff and rear cuff).
• Figure 3 shows the detail of a characteristic jumper locking system on the rear cuff.
• Figure 4 is a simplified perspective view of a jumper characteristic of the invention.
• Figure 5 is a summary perspective representation of a preferred embodiment of the rigid jumper of the invention.

As is known, a plastic ski boot essentially comprises:
- a generally rigid shell (1), intended to receive a boot, not shown, in which a skier's foot is inserted; this shell (1) comprises a toe (2), a heel (3) and a generally flat sole (4);
- A collar, designated by the general reference (6), articulated in (5) at the malleoli, the flap (7) of which is closed by known clamping members, such as loops (8, 9), hooks or the like, so as to ensure that the collar is properly tightened on the lower leg.

The ski boot has a rigid U-shaped arch designated by the general reference (10), the two branches (11) of which are disposed on each lateral face of the boot, and connected on the rear at heel height by a connection portion (12). According to a characteristic of the invention, the ends (13) of the branches (11) of this rigid arch (10) made of plastic or the like, are articulated at (14) in the sole (4), at the level of the arch , and preferably slightly in front of the articulation axis (5) in the direction of the tip (2).

According to another fundamental characteristic of the invention, the shoe also comprises a rigid U-shaped jumper designated by the general reference (20), have two lateral edges (21,21 ′). The longitudinal axis LL ′ of this rider (20) is, in the locked position (see Figures 1 and 5), oriented in a general direction substantially parallel to that of the tibia, but is disposed slightly behind it. The upper connection portion (22) of these lateral edges (21,21 ′) forms a gutter portion, so as to match part of the bottom and the back of the leg, in particular to rest on the back of the shoe, at the bottom of the calf. This rigid jumper (20) is articulated at (23) on the rigid arch (10). Advantageously, in the position of use, the articulation axes (5) and (23) are combined and arranged at the malleoli. It goes without saying that in another embodiment, these axes (5,23) can be distinct.

The connection portion (22) in the form of a U and a gutter is locked on the rear of the collar (6) by any suitable means. In an advantageous embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the external face of the collar (6) has a housing (30) at height, intended to receive the internal face (31) of the connection portion (22) having a shape complementary. A lug (32) molded, serves as a stop for a characteristic pin (33) which cooperates with a return spring (34). The internal face (35) of the bolt follows the upper external face (36) of the connection portion (22). By acting on the external face (37), the bolt (33) is pushed upwards thus allowing the face (31) to come to bear against the face (30). Then it is released, so that under the effect of the spring (34), the bolt (33) descends downward, thus trapping the face (36) against the face (35). When the skier wishes to unlock the rider (20), he just has to act in reverse.

In an advantageous variant shown in FIG. 5, the rigid jumper (20) comprises at mid-height a second connection portion (24) also in the form of a gutter and U arranged, in the position of use, at the level of the rear and top of the calcaneus, that is to say substantially on the top (15) of the rigid arch (10). The lateral edges (21, 21 ′) of the rigid jumper (20) and the lower connection portion (24) are connected by branches (25) to the articulation axis (23), arranged on the characteristic rigid arch (10). Thus, the characteristic jumper (20) marries, seen from the side, the general shape of a Z.

Figure 2 shows an advantageous embodiment of the invention applied to a shoe with rear opening, that is to say of the type in which the collar is made in two parts, respectively rear cuff (40) articulated on the shell in (41) at the malleoli, and front cuff (42) articulated on the arch (10), but in (43) in front of the articulation axis (14) of the rigid arch (10) in the direction of the tip (2). These two rear (40) and front (42) cuffs include conventional closing means (not shown) (loops, hooks, cables, etc.), so as not to unnecessarily overload the figure, so as to ensure the tightening of the shoe on the lower leg. As before, the characteristic rigid jumper (20) is articulated in the position of use on the rigid arch (10) at (41) at the malleoli and on the same axis as the axis of articulation of the rear cuff ( 40) on the rigid hoop (10).

In a preferred variant shown in FIG. 4, the internal face (36) of the connection portion (22) of the rigid jumper (20) has a support member (45), for example made of polyurethane foam, from the bottom the back of the calf, possibly adjustable in position, both in inclination and in advance.

In another embodiment, also shown in Figure 4, the edges (21,21 ′) of the jumper (20) are telescopic (50) to be adjusted in height, this facilitates both the tilting action and positioning of the connection portion (22) and more precisely of the support member (45), on the bottom of the calf, and this as a function of the particular morphology of the skier.

The ski boot according to the invention has many advantages, in particular compared to those mentioned in the preamble. Indeed, thanks to the rigidity of the rider, its precise positioning, and its cooperation with the elements of the shoe (shell + collar + cuffs), we ensure an excellent transfer of all the movements and lateral movements of the leg towards the ski, which ensures good guidance thereof;
- In addition, thanks to the rigidity of the rider, it is possible to make cuffs made of flexible material, which improves comfort;
- Finally, by retracting this rider when walking, you are no longer bothered by its rigidity, which also contributes to improving comfort.

Claims (9)

1 / Plastic ski boot, of the type comprising:
. a shell (1), intended to receive a liner in which a skier's foot is inserted and which comprises a sole (4) and a heel (3);
. an articulated collar (6,40,42), intended to enclose the lower leg;
. clamping means (8, 9) of the collar on the leg;
. a rigid jumper (20) in the form of a gutter, comprising two edges (21) connected by a connection portion (22) in a U, arranged on each side face of the collar, on either side of the longitudinal axis (LL ′) of the rider (20), and articulated at their end;
. a rigid U-shaped arch (10), the connection portion (12) of which follows the rear of the heel (3), and the free end of the branches (11) of which is articulated (14) on the shell (1);
characterized :
- in that, in the locked position, the longitudinal axis (LL ′) of the rider (20) is oriented in a general direction substantially parallel to that of the tibia;
- And in that the lower ends (25) of the two lateral edges (21) of the rider (20) are articulated (23) on the rigid U-shaped arch (10). 2 / Ski boot according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection portion (22) of the two lateral edges (21) of the reinforcement rider (20) follows part of the lower leg and bears on the bottom of the calf . 3 / Ski boot according to claim 1, characterized in that the collar made in one (6) or two parts (40,42) is also articulated (5) on the rigid hoop (10) and the axes of articulation of the collar (5) and the hinge pins (23,41) of the free ends of the lateral edges (21, 21 ′) of the rigid jumper (20) on this rigid hoop (10) are distinct. 4 / Ski boot according to claim 1, characterized in that the articulation axes (5) of the collar (6.40) and of the rider (23.41) on the arch (10) are combined and are arranged, in the position of use, at the malleoli. 5 / Ski boot according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connection portion (22) in the form of a U-shaped gutter has locking means (33,34) temporary with the top of the rear (30) of the collar (6) or of the rear cuff (40). 6 / Ski boot according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the edges (21,21 ′) of the rider (20) are telescopic to be adjusted in height. 7 / Ski boot according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the internal face (36) of the connection portion of the rigid rider (20) has a support member (45) from the bottom of the back of calf, adjustable in position, both in incline and forward. 8 / Ski boot according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the rigid rider (20) is perforated. 9 / Ski boot according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the rigid rider (20) acts as an operating lever.

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